Wai O Tapu Geothermal Wonderland Combo Tour

You will get to experience 2 geothermal regions in Rotorua and the only Authentic Living Maori Village.

Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand.

Clearly defined tracks provide the visitor with the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of this area through a series of different walks taking from 30 to 75 minutes or more, each with their own unique volcanic vistas to fascinate all ages.

Wai-O-Tapu translated means ‘Sacred Water’ and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see. The array of colours is caused by mineral salts in the water including arsenic, gold and silver. The spectacular Champagne Pool is a magnificent example of the vibrant colours caused by mineral and silicate interference. Follow the pool down to where it spills over a waterfall of ethereal beauty, coming to rest at the edge of one of the best examples of silica terracing in the Southern Hemisphere since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces in the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.

The Lady Knox geyser is an awesome sight of spurting of boiling hot water bursting from its white, conical mound of silica at 10:15am daily; Lady Knox has a special trick to her timely eruptions! Discovered by a gang of prisoners washing their clothes in the early 1900s, the geyser erupted; shooting hot water 20 meters into the air after the men had unwittingly poured soap into the spout. Now all it takes to get old Lady Knox firing is a bit of soap every day at roughly 10am!

A 30 minute drive back to Rotorua takes you to a visit to Whakarewarewa thermal region & village. First stop is to enjoy a light ‘hangi’ lunch – cooked onsite in steam boxes & natural hot bubbling pools, followed by a guided tour of the only authentic Living Maori village in New Zealand.

This also includes a genuine Maori cultural performance.

For centuries Whakarewarewa Village has been the home of the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao People and they have continually hosted visitors from all parts of the world since the mid 1800’s. Retrace the history of tourism & guiding in New Zealand as it first began in this region by this iwi (tribe) .You are invited to share in their everyday life and experience the sights, sounds and smells of their unique cultural way of living. Here they have learnt to co-exist in one of the natural geothermal fields of New Zealand using it for cooking & bathing. You will get another opportunity to view 2 more geysers – Pohutu & Prince of Wales Feathers.

On your return back to your ship we will make some interesting stops of interest as time permits. We attempt to showcase you as much as is possible. All of our tours are fully narrated throughout the day and we cover topics such as local geography, history, Maori culture, business, industry, economics, real estate and people demo graphs along with any other topic which comes up in conversation throughout the day.

NB: Your tour guide reserves the right to amend the tour if neccessary, to fit with your cruise ships sailing time.